By Ta’Leah Van Sistine, community reporter/editor
In September last year, there were 247 COVID-19 cases in Chippewa County. So far this month, the county’s Department of Public Health has documented 798 cases, including 537 adults – with the end of September still a week away.
Angela Weideman, the health department’s director/health officer, said at a virtual press conference Thursday that this month-to-month comparison proves there has been a “drastic” increase in COVID-19 cases across all age groups, compared to a year ago.
Chippewa County remains at a severe risk level with 10 residents currently hospitalized as of Thursday, and another COVID-19 death reported since last week’s press conference.
For information on various COVID regulations in the Chippewa Falls schools, click here.
Weideman said that in the northwest region of Wisconsin, 83% of all hospital beds, 97% of intensive care unit beds and 14% of ventilators are in use.
Vaccination is ‘primary defense’
“Vaccination continues to be the primary defense against COVID-19,” Weideman said. “However, much of the population remains unvaccinated.”
As of Wednesday, 31,831 residents were fully vaccinated in Chippewa County, accounting for 49.2% of the population.
The health department is still holding vaccine clinics every Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in room 121 at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
Another vaccine clinic will be held next Monday (Oct. 4) from 5 to 8 p.m. at the D.R. Moon Memorial Library in Stanley. It will be open to anyone 18 and older and no appointment is required. Spanish interpretation services will be available on-site.
“High vaccination (rates) will not only reduce the spread of the virus but prevent new and possibly more concerning variants from emerging,” Weideman said.
Free COVID-19 testing also took place Saturday at Jacob’s Well Church in Lake Hallie.
The testing is for those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or were in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. Registration is not required for the testing event, but it is available online.
In addition to the adult deaths, the county’s 2021 September case total thus far includes 234 cases involving children 5-18, and 27 in children 4 years or younger. A year ago, the September totals were 198 adults, 42 cases in children ages 5-18 and seven in children under 5.
Fae says
If everyone would quit being so I consistent with the guidelines I wonder if that would help! Wear a mask. Get vaccinated if you are of age. Social distance. Not that hard. We could have had a much better grasp on this! It’s really not that hard😢😢